As you can see, it’s closer between the Bucs and the Ravens than the Bucs and the Seahawks. HOWEVER, the Ravens had the FIFTH best rushing offense, while again the Bucs had the TWENTY-SEVENTH rushing offense. The Ravens also had a better overall offense (16th versus 24th). The Ravens defense, while great, had HELP that the 2002 Bucs did not.

The 2000 Ravens had a historically dominant RUN defense. Their pass defense was good by not all that awe inspiring (8th in the league that year). However, it is much easier to be great against the run when your OFFENSE is great at running it- something the 2000 Ravens and 2013 Seahawks had in common. Not so much for the 2002 Bucs, who had the worst of offense of all the great defenses that are brought up in this discussion save the 1991 Eagles (that’s right, the 2000 Ravens OFFENSE is underrated. Yeah, they went through a horrible stretch of a FEW games, but once Dilfer got his hands firmly on the reigns they were settled and helped their defense).

I would say that the 2002 Bucs and the 2000 Ravens are essentially on the same level, along with the ’85 Bears and the ’91 Eagles, and the 2013 Seahawks are right below that rung.

You people have short memories. The 2002 Bucs defense was DOMINANT. They were as good as the greatest defenses the league ever saw. They were better than this Seahawks defense (though not by much).

And while Seattle helped their defense with the FOURTH best rushing offense (which invariably lets a defense rest, and limits the opportunities for the opposing offense), the 2002 Bucs had the TWENTY-SEVENTH best rushing offense.

Seattle has a great, even all time great defense. The 2002 Bucs had a GREATER all time great defense.

They just get over looked because very shortly after that year the team fell to pieces. But make no mistake: in almost every statistical category the 2002 Bucs were better than the 2013 Seahawks.

]]>By: 88ibishttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3150611
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:36:25 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3150611Different eras of offense. Different eras of defense. Different eras of rules. Different opponents. You can’t use stats to compare them.

Just face the fact that they are all awesome, be happy your team has earned a place in the conversation, and call it good.

]]>By: redsoxu571http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3150543
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:26:16 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3150543It’s very good that people have brought up the 2002 TB defense…it was a lot of fun to watch and certainly dominant.

I don’t buy the blanket claim that it was better, or necessarily even at the same level as the 2000 BAL defense. I think people forget how epically bad that Ravens OFFENSE was. For some reason people treat the different units in football as if they’re isolated, but offense impacts field position, momentum, stamina, etc.

Don’t believe me? Check out the drive charts in the games for both teams when they surrendered a fairly high point total. BAL rarely allowed truly long drives, and had one game (first against the Titans) in which all the scoring allowed was at the fault of the offense.

Meanwhile, the 2002 TB defense surrendered plenty of long scoring drives that year (in fact, quite a few 90+ yard drives).

What made the 2000 Ravens defense so good was that it was perhaps the most lockdown defense, especially in terms of yards, we’ve ever seen. The team didn’t get a ton of sacks, and actually had a pretty low turnover number (only 6 fumbles recovered, so likely even some back luck there) and yet it still was near impossible to score upon. It’s a much tougher task to compare these defenses to those of decades past (and SEA’s this year) given the difference in eras, but if you put these two under the microscope (and/or just use your memory if you were paying attention at the time) you’ll see that TB had a top notch defense for its time, but BAL had a HISTORIC one.

]]>By: zebenirhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3150442
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:57:20 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3150442My defense is better than yours! Neener neener neener!!!!
]]>By: palatypushttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149537
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 04:50:26 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149537FYI – Two of the starter on the 2000 Ravens defensive line were acquired from Seattle. LDT Sam Adams and RDE Michael McCrary.
]]>By: gt40bearhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149333
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:40:56 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149333All the Seahawks love needs to come back in a decade then we’ll compare to the Bucs/Steelers. One year wonders until they prove differently. BTW, FINALLY a positive Bucs story from Florio…thanks Mike!
]]>By: footballfan292http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149324
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:37:41 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149324Anyone who thinks the Seahawks had the best defense in NFL history has obviously not been alive very long.
]]>By: facebook.com/joesimmonscomic AKA Slow Joe (Bucs fan)http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149247
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 02:08:27 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149247I loved watching my Bucs D during the Dungy/Gruden era. But I, too, think the ’99 defense may have been even better than the ’02 unit. They were both amazing, though.

I remember in the ’03 preseason they showed a graphic of the the QB ratings against the ’02 Bucs. Not only did the overall rating fall around 46, NO QB got over 59 in ANY single game.

The Seahawks were incredible this year. I don’t really care about ranking these defenses. I’m just glad someone remembered to include the Bucs’ D in the conversation.

]]>By: eezyxyzhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149117
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 01:11:31 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149117I agree, the 2002 Bucs were incredible … conceding a passer rating of 48 to opposing QBs in the regular season. Dungy gets a lot of credit for “building” that defense, but fact is that Sapp, Brooks and Lynch were all drafted while Sam Wyche was head coach of the Bucs, so give the regime prior to Dungy credit for putting the great players in place for Dungy and Gruden.
]]>By: usdcoyotesfanhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149044
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:39:29 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149044The Packers’ defense of the past few years would be in this conversation if the NFL would stop fining us for looking at opponents the wrong way.
]]>By: brashohttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3149003
Mon, 10 Feb 2014 00:07:40 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3149003Bucs of 2002 the best defense of all-time against the pass. There is no debate, opposing QBs had a 46 rating against them…then they did even better in 3 consecutive playoff games.

2000 Ravens were great against the run, but had advantage of playing half of their games against bottom of the league offenses (2 of the absolute worst in their own division).

]]>By: sandy102270http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148975
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:32:26 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148975I won’t denigrate any of the other top defenses of all time (70s Steelers, 85 Bears, 02 Bucs, etc.), but I wil never take anyone seriously who thinks the 2000 Ravens were overrated.

During the regular season, they gave up 165 points total, forced 49 turnovers, allowed only 2.7 YPC, all while carrying one of the most anemic offenses in the NFL.

Then, in four playoff games, they continued their dominating performance, outscoring the opposing offenses 28-23, forcing 12 turnovers, and getting 12 sacks.

In sum, over 20 total games, the 2000 Ravens defense allowed 188 total points, forced 61 turnovers, scored 7 TDs, pitched 4 shutouts, had another 11 games where they allowed 10 points or fewer (including all 4 playoff games).

That isn’t overrated, that’s one of the most dominating season long performances of all time. Believing otherwise is a combination of foolishness, bitterness, and jealousy.

]]>By: hmfic6180http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148945
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 23:06:50 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148945???
]]>By: db105http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148892
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 22:05:53 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148892Too often media and fans oversimplify things by labeling champions as the best. Eagles defense of 1991 rarely gets mentioned as one of the greatest defenses of all time. Look at their stats and the offenses that they played against that year.
]]>By: mrlalooshhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148878
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:51:22 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148878Everybody knows that Super Bowl was fixed. Gruden playing his old team knew everything they were going to do. Callahan handed the game to the Bucs on a silver platter. Joke game. One of worst ever.
Tampa should give the Lombardi back.
]]>By: mikebrownistheworstownerinprosportshttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148871
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:41:33 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148871I agree with Florio. The 2002 Bucs are often overlooked and I’m not sure why. The 2000 Ravens are overrated. Just look at their division that year. They got to face the expansion Browns, a Bengals team led by Akili Smith that set a record for fewest points scored, and a Steelers squad led by Kordell Stewart. In these 6 games, the Ravens held the Bengals/Browns/Steelers to a combined 23 points, with one shutout of each team. No wonder the Ravens set the record for fewest points allowed in a season.
]]>By: mikebrownistheworstownerinprosportshttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148860
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:34:00 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148860I agree with Florio. The 2002 Bucs are often overlooked and I’m not sure why. The 2000 Ravens are overrated. Just look at their division that year. They got to face the expansion Browns, a Bengals team led by Akili Smith that set a record for fewest points scored, and a Steelers squad led by Kordell Stewart. In these 6 games, the Ravens held the Bengals/Ravens/Steelers to a combined 23 points, with one shutout of each team. No wonder the Ravens set the record for fewest points allowed in a season.
]]>By: hmfic6180http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148856
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:32:51 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148856The Steelers only won one SB in that stretch and were given the second one.
]]>By: bobzilla1001http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148848
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:27:10 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148848Another defense often overlooked is the Steelers’ defenses from 2004 to 2010. Not many teams can say they’ve won two Super Bowls and been to a third with a QB who threw just 17 TD passes in each their respective championship seasons.
The Steelers’ defenses of recent history produced Defensive Players of the Year in 2008 (James Harrison) and in 2010 (Troy Polamalu).
That’s pretty strong evidence that the Steelers’ D belongs in the conversation.
]]>By: hmfic6180http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148839
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:17:21 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148839Too bad the Seahawks did not cut their loose, then we would see who had the best all around team. I think there is more to come. With the richest NFL owner, I am sure it is possible to keep the Seahawks together. The salaries are just chump change to him.
]]>By: magbastardhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148830
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 21:12:21 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-314883086, 90 Giants?
]]>By: albundy4tds1gamehttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148784
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:45:00 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148784Yeah you sure are right Derrick Brooks is NOT Ray Lewis. Brooks was HOF both on AND OFF THE FIELD
]]>By: ratsfoiledagainhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148778
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:35:49 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148778The 85 Bears played in an era of similar rules as the 70’s Steelers.

Tampa and the Ravens played under different rules than the 70’s Steelers & 85 Bears.

The 2013 Seahawks played under different rules than all of the aforementioned.

Every decade rules favor the offense and restrict the defense.

The 70’s Steelers wouldn’t be what they’re known for in this day and age.

The 2013 Seahawks D would have thrived in any previous decade.

Just take them for what they are. Each were very dominate in their time.

]]>By: r8dernationhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148777
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:35:16 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148777*Bill Callahan
]]>By: footballfan420http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148745
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 20:15:48 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148745Honestly, I’ve heard the Bucs mentioned several times in the past week around the discussion of all-time great defenses. So I certainly think they are getting their fair shout out. But in my opinion no way were they better than the ’00 Ravens just because they have more hall of famers on the roster.
]]>By: winninaintsinninhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148705
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:59:40 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148705Hawks did it to the #1 offense OF ALL TIME.

Heck Saints offense was better than those other defenses faced, especially give Gruden had the playbook.

]]>By: snookauhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148694
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:57:10 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-314869412 out of 13 seasons the Bucs were in the Top 10 in scoring defense.

Let’s see Seattle do that.

]]>By: footballfan20http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148691
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:56:26 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148691For all the talk about how great the Bucs D was for a decade why is it that they have the 1 ring to show for it???
]]>By: lenrossenhttp://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/09/seahawks-comparisons-overlook-2002-buccaneers/#comment-3148683
Sun, 09 Feb 2014 19:53:43 +0000http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=2242592#comment-3148683I’ll try this a second time. The 85′ bears gave up a TOTAL of six (6) points in the playoff and superbowl run. #1 defense in my book .
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